10 Ways to Make Your Bathroom More Stylish on a Budget, According to Interior Designers

Update the Hardware

Swapping out your hardware can instantly update any bathroom, giving it a fresh look. There are lots of ways to do this. Knobs and handles can be super cheap and easy to replace (search for multipacks to get the best bang for your buck).

“Style doesn’t have to come with a steep price tag, especially in a bathroom,” says Nina Magon, founder and principal of Nina Magon Studio. “One of the most impactful yet budget-friendly upgrades is swapping outdated hardware for sleek, modern pieces in a striking finish, like matte black or warm brass. It’s a small detail that instantly elevates the space.”

On the other hand, designer Vicki Zagrodnik suggests going with brushed nickel or matte pewter. “These finishes don’t scream for attention, and their understated tones better complement natural materials, like stone or plaster-effect tiles, both growing in popularity,” she says.

Install a New Faucet

An old faucet really dates a bathroom, especially if it has plastic handles. The good news is that these can be very cheap to replace. “Even a new $40 faucet can shift the visual weight of a small bath,” explains Zagrodnik.

Combining new hardware and a new faucet is a cheap but extra chic combo that can cost less than $100.

Switch Out Your Light Switch Plates and Electrical Outlets

One of the most overlooked updates, according to Thea Bloch-Neal, Durham-based founder and lead designer of Curated by Thea, is light switches. “There are so many playful and stylish options out there now,” she says.

If unique switch plates aren’t in your budget, consider covering your old ones with peel-and-stick wallpaper or contact paper. 

Upgrade the Lighting

Instead of that overhead light or tired fixture above the mirror, Zagrodnik recommends going with sconces or pendant lights instead.

“This instantly softens the mood and adds depth, especially in smaller bathrooms,” she says. “The psychological payoff? It creates a more grounded environment, which matters if your bathroom doubles as a decompressing zone after long days. Dimmable sconces under $100 are now easy to find, especially in matte black or fluted glass, both trending finishes this year.”

If you don’t want to hire an electrician or are renting your home, consider using a battery-operated rechargeable sconce instead of a hardwired one.

Install Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be magical when it comes to budget bathroom upgrades. On an extra-tight budget? You don’t even need to wallpaper the entire bathroom.

“Instead of full-wall florals, designers are using wallpaper to create framed panels behind mirrors or above wainscoting,” says Zagrodnik. “This looks bespoke but requires far less material. Look for organic motifs or Japanese woodblock-inspired prints—calm, rhythmic, and rooted in nature.”

Try Some Paint

If wallpaper isn’t your thing, a fresh coat of paint can make a major difference. Whether you prefer a neutral and calming hue, like taupe, a cool pastel like baby blue, or something bold and sophisticated, like hunter green, the possibilities are endless.

Want to leave the walls alone? Magon tells me to paint the vanity or cabinets instead. “A coat of rich, saturated color, like deep emerald, charcoal, or even a soft blush, can give old cabinetry a high-end, custom look for very little cost,” she says. “It’s a simple way to inject new life and luxury into a dated space.”

Sprinkle in Some New Accessories

New accessories can make your bathroom feel like a retret. Margaret Donaldson, Charleston-based interior designer and founder of MDI Luxury Design, recommends this for anyone upgrading their bathroom on a budget.

“Accessories are the best budget-friendly way to make a bathroom look and feel more stylish,” she says. “Add a stool near your bathtub for accoutrement or a glass of wine—this is an instant lift. We will always be pro fresh flowers in any room, especially a bathroom, but you can’t go wrong with a tree or plants if you have the space. Bringing in fresh flowers and plants breathes a little life into a space that can feel utilitarian. Plus, they never go out of style.”

Do a Shower Curtain Swap

One of the cheapest, fastest, and easiest ways to improve your bathroom on a microbudget is to get a new shower curtain. When it comes to shower curtains, less can be more. A simple waffle weave can look effortlessly stylish. Don’t forget a brand new liner, too.

Invest in New Towels

Old towels do anything but make your bathroom feel like a retreat. So, a new set can make all the difference. Want to level it up from there? Donaldson tells me it’s best to go custom. “When considering your bathroom linens, opt for customized hand towels, bath towels, or both,” she says.

Hang Original Art

While many people save their good art for other rooms in the home, Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors in Fullerton, California, advises adding it to your bathroom to make it feel more special.

“Whether it’s a vintage oil painting in a thrifted frame or a modern abstract print, it adds warmth and personality that makes the room feel more like a styled corner of your home, not just a utility space,” Soto says.

Remember, you don’t need to shell out a lot of cash on this. You can go to your local thrift store and find affordable framed pieces at a great price.